Monday, January 18, 2010

Empire State of Mind

You know me. How often do I post video links? Next to never. I had to break my general rule and post this. Let me just say--maybe it's a New York thing-- 'cause "baby I'm from New York." But I love the kids and the song and the whole feeling. Got me all choked up. I love that I'm from here. I love that Hedgehog is growing up here, in the middle of the "concrete jungle where dreams are made." Just forgive me my moment of NYC pride...

Hail a gypsy cab with me and just be a New Yorker for a minute...you'll love it, I promise.

And thanks P.S. 22 chorus for giving me a bright moment in my day.

Updated, just because I'm absolutely loving loving loving the original Jay-Z/Alicia Keys version too--much darker, still wonderful. Two sides of a coin:

27 comments:

Hey there, you NY lover! I can't see the video at work but I'll look later. Just wanted to mention a blog to you that I thought you might like. Maybe you know it already. It's all about New York and its history, old maps, pictures, stories. http://thevirtualdimemuseum.blogspot.com/

This place isn't for everybody. I can understand the aversion to the noise, traffic, over crowding, etc., etc. But if you're one of the lucky ones who allow Gotham to get under your skin, then you are in for a hell of a ride. I haven't been bored for decades. Do you realize what a rare blessing that is?

Great stuff. I love the way they're so animated. If that was British kids, they'd probably be motionless, timidly singing along in a rather embarrassed fashion. New York certainly has plenty of energy, that's for sure.

Mme: "perfect in its imperfection" is a great way to describe it. Over the last decade things have cleaned up a lot, but there's still a roughness, an eccentricity, and an electricity that is unique to NYC. At least, I think so...

Ronda: we'll take the gypsy cab to Brooklyn Chinatown for some steamed buns and iced coffee...or anywhere else you like!

map: anytime you head NY-bound, you can be assured we'll greet you with open arms!

You know what I like about this? It's that the kids really seem to be feeling the music - not just singing stonefaced like so many do in student concerts. Can't wait to share this with my kids - they love that song!

J: that's the best thing, I agree! You might check out some of their other songs on Youtube--I especially loved their version of "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks.

Megan: I can't wait to read it! How very intriguing...

Alex: I'm always wondering about that--there must be so much more out there that would blow our minds. We just have to be on the lookout.

Cinnamon: the more videos of this chorus I watched, the more I realized what an incredibly special teacher that chorus director is. He is absolutely amazing with the kids, as well as being musically gifted in his own right! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

my 15 months old loves this song, we listen to the radio in the mornings and whenever it comes on she shrieks and starts to dance and sing. whenever i hear it i want to go back... there's such an energy!